Rado - Golden Horse - No reserve price - 11674 - Men - 1960-1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Step back into the golden era of Swiss watchmaking with this distinguished Rado Golden Horse, a model that defined the brand's rise to prominence in the mid-20th century. First introduced in 1957 to celebrate Rado’s 40th anniversary, the Golden Horse was the collection that established Rado as a standalone brand of high quality. This specific example, featuring a desirable 30-jewel automatic movement and the iconic rotating anchor logo, captures the charm and robust engineering of the period. With its warm patina and classic proportions, this timepiece is a testament to the enduring appeal of vintage horology, perfect for the collector seeking a watch with genuine character and history. Brand: Rado Model: Golden Horse Reference Number: 11674 Movement: Automatic, Caliber AS 1700/01 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated / Stainless Steel Back Production Year: c. 1960 Condition: Good vintage condition Dial and Hands The dial presents a classic silver sunburst finish that has developed a distinct, even layer of champagne-colored patina and "stardust" spotting throughout, giving the watch a truly unique vintage character. It features faceted gold-tone applied hour markers and the iconic applied twin seahorse logo above the six o'clock position. At twelve o'clock sits the signature Rado rotating anchor logo on a ruby-red background, a hallmark of the brand's automatic models. The date window at three o'clock displays the date in red numerals, magnified by the original cyclops on the crystal. The gold-tone dauphine hands show signs of aging and oxidation consistent with the dial, adding to the cohesive vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 35mm case is gold-plated, showcasing a classic shape with curved lugs that hug the wrist comfortably. The plating shows honest signs of vintage wear, with visible scratches, scuffs, and some softening of the edges typical for a watch of this age. The signed crown proudly displays the Rado anchor symbol. The screw-down case back is made of stainless steel and features the deeply embossed detailed seahorse medallion and "Water Sealed" engraving, along with relevant patent numbers. The acrylic crystal features an internal date magnifier and is in presentable condition with minor handling marks. Movement Powering this timepiece is a high-grade Rado signed automatic movement, based on the reliable A. Schild caliber 1700/01. It is a 30-jewel mechanism, which was a high jewel count for the era, indicating a premium model. The movement presents very cleanly visuals. Timegrapher testing indicates the watch is running between -8 and -10 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a new brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and contrasting stitching. It is finished with a gold-tone pin buckle that complements the case, making the watch ready to wear immediately. Condition This timepiece is graded in good vintage condition. It wears its history openly, with visible patina on the dial and surface wear on the gold-plated case that confirms its age and authenticity. It is an honest, unmolested example that has not been over-polished, preserving its original lines and character. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic and versatile size for vintage dress watches. The lug width accommodates standard straps, allowing for easy customization to suit the wearer's style. Remarks The Rado Golden Horse is not just a watch but a piece of the brand's DNA, representing their first major success as a global manufacturer. This 30-jewel variant is particularly collectible due to its higher-spec movement. The combination of the red date wheel, the rotating anchor, and the warm patina makes this specific piece a charming conversation starter for any enthusiast. History Rado, originally founded as the Schlup & Co. clockwork factory in 1917, began producing watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. The Golden Horse collection, launched in 1957, was a pivotal release, marketed for its water resistance and durable automatic movements. It was an instant success and remains one of the most significant pillars in Rado's heritage, symbolizing the transition from movement supplier to a celebrated watchmaking house. /Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RGH-0038